Radon from Crushed Rock???

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#1

Originally Posted By: jcampbell
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A former client called to say he was going to put crushed rock in his crawl space but was warned that radon can come from crushed stone.


Anyone heard this before, should we caution against putting crushed rock in crawl spaces or basement floors.

I already suggested a vapor barrior be installed. The radon this fall registered 1.2-1.4 inside the home.

Appreciate your responses...

--
Jeffrey S. Campbell
http://www.maineshomeinspector.com

#2

Originally Posted By: psabados
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Sorry to say yes


It will depend upon where the stone or rock comes from. If its mined or quarried from a known area with high radon tailings they could be bringing it indoors.

A vapor barrier alone may no be sufficient. Maine mostly is considered a Zone 1 with higher occurances of readings over 4.0 PiC/l. http://www.epa.gov/radon/

Paul

#3

Originally Posted By: jcampbell
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I suggested the vapor barrier for moisture reasons alone… the radon levels were low enough to not be a concern. I initially thought NO to his question, but as I thought about it… it made sense it could increase radon air levels.


I believe if he adds the crushed stone he should take other measures to ventilate/remove possible radon gases in addition to the vapor barrier...

--
Jeffrey S. Campbell
http://www.maineshomeinspector.com

#4

Originally Posted By: lkage
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Out of curiosity, why doesn’t he just have it tested again after the rock is installed? It may be fine and require no extra cost to remove it. Testing again would cost less than mitigation.

#5

Originally Posted By: jcampbell
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Yes… I had the same thought and relayed that to the client… only mitigate if the levels are elevated, but definately test.

–
Jeffrey S. Campbell


http://www.maineshomeinspector.com

#6

Originally Posted By: dvalley
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When Radon mitigations are installed they utilize crushed rock or gravel in order to provide a drainage bed for moisture and a stable, level surface for pouring the slab.

Wouldn?t you think that they would be adding wood to the fire if the crushed stone contained high Radon levels?

--
David Valley
MAB Member

Massachusetts Certified Home Inspections
http://www.masscertified.com

"Some cause happiness wherever they go; others, whenever they go."

#7

Originally Posted By: jcampbell
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absolutely… but there is no inexpensive way to know if the rock they are adding contains levels of radon.

–
Jeffrey S. Campbell


http://www.maineshomeinspector.com

#8

Originally Posted By: dvalley
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Do you test for Radon in Maine?


If this were my client it would cost him/her a lousy $40.00 for a test with results in 48 hours.

--
David Valley
MAB Member

Massachusetts Certified Home Inspections
http://www.masscertified.com

"Some cause happiness wherever they go; others, whenever they go."

#9

Originally Posted By: rmoewe
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$40.00 for a radon test???


Damn you are cheap. The norm around here is $100-$125.

#10

Originally Posted By: jcampbell
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Sorry Dave, I missed your question earlier… Testing for radon is very popular, but the test would have to be conducted after installed in the crawl space. I explained that to the client. he is considering his options and won’t proceed until spring… Radon runs 100-125 up here as well… although I recently heard someone conducting them for 85.00 ??

–
Jeffrey S. Campbell


http://www.maineshomeinspector.com